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Ok, here's the story. We have a local state rep that is a dem and he has been in office for many years. I have worked on his campaigns over the years but am not currently working for him. I've been a little ticked off at him lately, but not enough to vote for his challenger, who is an independent.
Now, here is my problem and my question. This morning I discovered that this independent had placed a magnet for his campaign ON my metal mailbox at the street. Now, my yard is very vocal as far as politics are concerned although I do not have a sign supporting my usual candidate for this seat. I have my sign with the Iraq casualty numbers on it and my signs for Deval Patrick too. Having this guys magnet stuck to my mail box implies that I am supporting this guy, which I am not.
I know that federal law prohibits anyone to place anything INSIDE the mail box that has not been processed through the USPS, especially campaign materials. Does that apply to the OUTSIDE of my mail box as well?
I feel like this was a really slimy attempt to have it appear that I was supporting this guy. I called his office this morning and HE answers the phone himself. I told him that I didn't appreciate that and if he wanted my vote he should have knocked on my door and stated his case. I told him that I thought it could be a violation of postal laws and he said it wasn't. Then, he hung up on me! Talk about arrogant!
I don't feel that he just targeted me because he did that to several other mail boxes on my street too. But, I do feel somewhat violated as my house is one of the few in my general location that is as vocal about politics and everybody knows that this is where I live and they know who I am. Not meaning to sound arrogant myself, but in a small town vocal political advocates, especially female ones, don't go unnoticed. I have been an elected official and I am known around town by the major players as well as the spectators.
Now, I need to know if anyone else thinks this might be a violation of election laws or USPS mail box usage laws where campaigns are concerned? If it is, just who would I contact to file a complaint about it? I told him that I would be calling the AG to inquire but I can't seem to locate an office specifically set up for this type of complaint there or with the local DA's office either.
It's not an earth shattering thing by any means, I realize that. It just makes me feel violated and concerns me that people driving by my house (I am one of the two main streets in town) might actually have gotten the notion that I was supporting this jerk.
Any suggestions on where to pursue this matter would be greatly appreciated.
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